More Theater Monday - Chicago the Play

We were given free tickets to Chicago the Play for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Chicago the Play

Where: Goddard Riverside

              Bernie Wohl Center

              647 Columbus Ave.

              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up

When: Through October 23, 2022

Out of the Box Theatrics is a theater group featuring mostly the work of professional actors, directors, and designers over the age of 50. Their latest offering is Chicago the Play by Maurine Watkins. The play was inspired by two unrelated court cases involving women murderers that Watkins covered when she was a reporter. In turn, the play served as the inspiration for the musical of the same name, 

While the play is very similar to the musical, they are not exactly the same. For one thing, the characters seem even more harsh and jaded than they do in the musical. For another, Velma is a society matron, not a vaudeville performer. She doesn't play as large a role in the play either, and there is not as much direct conflict between her and Roxie as there is in the musical. Also, the play's Billy Flynn seems much more concerned with money while the musical's Billy Flynn seems much more concerned with fame.

Jenny Tucker steamrolls her way through the role of Roxie Hart in this production. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Mark Hofmaier is equally strong in the role of Billy Flynn. They are the most memorable performers in the show. Most of the rest of the cast pales in their shadows. 

The show definitely seems to drag at times and the music is missed. It is also very cynical even more so than the musical. This may be due to the lack of songs. When there are fun songs to listen to, it is easier to forget that there aren't really any characters in the show worth rooting for. The show is meant to be a satire. However, in this day and age when so many people seem to get away with so much, it just seems like a sad but true commentary on the world. 

And that's our view. For more about Chicago the play or to purchase tickets, visit www.outoftheboxtheatre.com/chicago---the-play.html

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.